My shrine where I pray for others
Rarely does a day go by without a friend or stranger asking me to pray for them, their loved ones, or for a special request. Even those who find no inspiration in organized religion feel a need to ask for divine intervention, and share a deep level of concern about their spiritual life and the well-being of others. When anyone asks for prayer, they are, in effect, strengthening their connection to the divine mysteries of everyday life and asking me to join them. So many are moved to punctuate life’s most stellar, most painful, most confusing, even most ordinary moments with prayer, and this is how I join them.
Light Candles
There are several altars in my apartment, one of which is dedicated to those who ask for prayer. Ever since fire was discovered, lit candles have signified the presence of God. In praying for others, I light a candle to surround the person for whom I’m praying with divine presence and pray for enlightenment. I ask that they feel divine guidance every moment of every day. I pray that they know they are never alone. God is within them always.
Ask for Divine Intervention
The focus of your heartfelt prayer becomes mine when I pray for you; whether it is to heal, console, get pregnant, sell a house, get a good job, or find true love. The call for prayer is such a mysterious impulse because it always comes from something in life that moves us profoundly and often feels somehow connected to God. Everything we experience is capable of being transformed, of being lived in a different way, and prayer enables us to do that. I pray that your life be transformed in accord with your prayer.
Thank God
I always thank God for being called upon to pray for others. Though you may not immediately get what you want, something always happens, even if it’s being asked to wait. What you want to happen gradually becomes real in ways you may never have envisioned. A noticeable kind of awakening occurs. You may see things differently, receive insight and understanding, even be granted peace with whatever happens. The moment of greatest grace always helps us see more clearly, love more dearly, and follow more nearly. When praying for others, I thank the God of your life for drawing you near.
Until next week, think about this: I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had absolutely no other place to go. —Abraham Lincoln
Karol Jackowski, Ph.D., became a nun in 1964. She's also been a college administrator, graduate of New York University, manager of a toy store, author of eight books, painter of religious folk art, and sister to everyone she meets. Please visit her website at KarolJackowski.com.
From: Maria | 7/31/11 at 1:26 pm
Please pray for me. I'm sure you get thousands of requests, but maybe I'll be in the mix somehow!
Gracias!
Maria
From: Karol Jackowski | 7/31/11 at 3:43 pm
Consider yourself permanently in the divine mix...
Sister Karol
From: Lina Sorbilli | 8/1/11 at 12:50 am
Thank you Sister Jackowski. When someone comes up to me & tells me that my praying is a waste of time. I respond: "No it is not & I will prove it. I am now praying for you." Usually they either just open their mouths & can't say anything, or they will make a grumpy sound & walk away." Then as they turn to walk away, I then tell them: "See, my prayer did work." lol
From: Veronica Hargrove | 8/1/11 at 10:47 am
ah, the mysterious and magical altar. Many requests have been placed on there for my family. Thanks again for all the fires burnt for us!
From: Lina | 8/1/11 at 11:43 pm
I just discovered your column through an email I received from marthastewart's website. I'm going to go back and read all your columns... I ordered your book -- blessings and spells. And since you are taking requests would you mind praying for me as well? I need lots of prayers lost my job a year ago, trying to transition into a new career while hitting brick walls and working really hard to stay positive!
I never would have thought (naive as it sounds) that a similar catholic to myself was out there and a Nun no less! Your words are inspirational can't wait to get my hands on your books. I believe it was divine intervention that I opened that email Sunday morning and read about praying for others.
love and light. ~L
From: Karol Jackowski | 8/2/11 at 9:25 am
welcome to the weekly soul savers. I will pray daily with you for what you need. Enjoy "Spells and Blessings" -- it's my favorite.
Sister Karol
From: Virginia Bell | 8/5/11 at 9:30 am
So simply, clearly, and beautifully expressed. I love your weekly soul saver columns!
From: Dawn Kovacich | 8/6/11 at 12:03 am
Please pray for my Dad Bill, he had a golfball size tumor removed from his brain today. He is doing well and can use continued prayers through his recovery.
Thank you,
Dawn
Highland IN
From: Karol Jackowski | 8/6/11 at 10:19 pm
Your Dad Bill, you, and your family will continue to be remembered in my prayer. May this be a healing time for all of you.
Sister Karol
From: Lina Sorbilli | 5/17/12 at 6:05 pm
I came across my comment on this article by Sister Jackowski. Just to make it clear, the comment from a "Lina" 2nd from mine was made by another Lina apparantly, it was not my comment. Thanks
From: Tyler | 11/25/12 at 5:46 am
I have a friend that I haven't seen is years that I have recently found is battling addiction to heroin. Do you know of a good christian prayer I can say nightly before I go to bed for him?